DRDO DLRL Internship: Eligibility, Stipend and How to Apply

Want to intern at DRDO while still in engineering college? This guide helps you prepare.

Applications for the DRDO DLRL Internship 2026 cycle closed on 15 May 2026. This program was for final-year B.E/B.Tech students and ran for six months starting July 2026. A total of 75 internship seats were available across three engineering disciplines.

While the 2026 application period has passed, the next cycle is expected around the same time next year. Use this time to review eligibility requirements and gather necessary documents. Being prepared will help when applications open again.

Applications for the 2026 cycle were accepted only through the prescribed form and had to reach the lab by 15 May 2026. Late applications were not considered.

Program DRDO DLRL Paid Internship
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
| Laboratory | Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), Hyderabad
| Total Seats | 75
| Eligible Courses | B.E / B.Tech (ECE, CSE, Mechanical)
| Internship Duration | 6 Months (Tentatively from 1 July)
| Stipend | ₹30,000 total (₹15,000 after 3 months + ₹15,000 after 6 months)
| Application Mode | Offline submission via prescribed application form
| Application Deadline | 15 May (for 2026 cycle; next cycle expected next year)
| Location | Hyderabad, Telangana

If you're exploring multiple defence research internships, also check the DRDO DIPAS Internship and our detailed guide to DRDO internships. Several labs release opportunities around the same time each year.

DRDO DLRL Internship Vacancies by Branch

The Defence Electronics Research Laboratory focuses on electronic warfare systems, signal processing, and defence electronics. Most openings are in electronics and computing fields.

• Electronics and Communication Engineering: 40 seats
• Computer Science Engineering: 25 seats
• Mechanical Engineering: 10 seats

These numbers are tentative. If suitable candidates are not available in one branch, the seats may shift to another discipline.

DRDO DLRL Internship Eligibility

Not every engineering student can apply. DRDO has kept the criteria specific.

• Must be pursuing B.E or B.Tech in ECE, CSE, or Mechanical Engineering
• Students must be entering the final year of their program
• Applicants must have no backlogs
• Students must submit a referral or sponsorship letter from their college

The selection committee checks academic performance up to 3rd year, 1st semester. If your CGPA is strong till that point, you are in good shape.

₹30,000 Stipend Details

Government research internships usually pay modest stipends, and this one follows a similar pattern.

The DRDO DLRL Internship offers a total stipend of ₹30,000 for the six‑month program. The payment is split into two installments:

• ₹15,000 after completing the first 3 months
• ₹15,000 after successfully finishing the full 6 months

Interns must maintain a minimum attendance of 15 working days per month to receive the stipend.

Accommodation, travel, food, and medical expenses are not covered. Students must manage those on their own.

Internship Duration and Start Date

The internship runs for six months. The tentative start date is 1 July.

Completion matters. If you leave before finishing the full duration, you will not receive the internship certificate.

Finishing this internship does not guarantee a job at DRDO. It is strictly a training opportunity.

DRDO DLRL Internship Selection Process

The selection process is fairly straightforward but competitive.

• Merit-based shortlisting using cumulative marks or CGPA up to 3rd year 1st semester
• Interview or interaction may be conducted if required

If two applicants have the same marks, preference goes to the older candidate based on date of birth.

Selected candidates are notified via the email ID provided in the application form. DRDO does not send rejection emails, so silence usually means you were not selected.

How to Apply for DRDO DLRL Internship

The application process is slightly old-school. You need to download the form, fill it out, attach documents, and send it by post.

1. Download the Application Form
   Get the official form here: Download Application Form. The form is attached at the end of the advertisement PDF.
2. Fill in your academic details
   You need to enter your name, branch (ECE/CSE/Mechanical), college, university, and cumulative marks up to the 3rd year 1st semester.
3. Attach required documents
   Include copies of Aadhaar card, college ID, bonafide certificate, and mark sheets as mentioned in the form.
4. Get your college sponsorship letter
   Your college must issue a referral or sponsorship letter confirming that you are allowed to undergo internship at DLRL and that the institute will take responsibility for conduct and discipline.
5. Send the application by post
   Mail the completed form and documents to:
   
   The Director
   Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL)
   DRDO, Ministry of Defence
   Chandrayangutta Lines, Hyderabad – 500005
6. Mention the discipline on the envelope
   Write “Application for Paid Internship with Discipline” clearly on the envelope.

The last date for applications to reach DLRL for the 2026 cycle was 15 May 2026. Incomplete or late applications are rejected without review.

Documents Required for DRDO DLRL Internship

The application requires a small but important set of documents.

• Aadhaar Card copy
• College ID card
• Bonafide certificate from college
• Mark sheets up to 3rd year 1st semester
• College referral or sponsorship letter

If selected, students must also provide a police verification certificate before joining the internship.

Things Students Often Miss

After covering government internships for years, a few patterns show up again and again.

First, many students forget to attach the college sponsorship letter. Without it, the application is automatically rejected.

Second, the envelope labeling requirement matters. DRDO explicitly asks applicants to write the internship discipline on the cover.

Finally, do not expect accommodation. Hyderabad living expenses can add up quickly, so plan your stay early if you get selected.

If you're exploring more government and research opportunities, you can always browse all opportunities on Talentd. New internships open almost every week.